TSH Receptor

The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), one of the primary antigens in autoimmune thyroid disease, is a target of both antigen-specific T cells and antibodies in patients with this condition. Autoantibodies to the TSHR (TSHR-Ab) act as thyroid stimulating factor (TSH) agonists in autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Robert Graves disease) but as TSH antagonists in autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto thyroiditis). The TSHR antigen is primarily expressed in the epithelial cells of the thyroid follicles, but TSHR mRNA and protein have been reported in a variety of cell types, some of which show evidence of receptor activity.

TSH receptor (TSHR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of thyroid disease, a TSHR antagonist could be a novel treatment.

TSH, acting through the TSH receptor, is the major stimulator of thyroid cell growth, differentiation and function.